AC Milan Modric Absence Prompts Allegri To Seek Lesson For Milan Against Sassuolo

AC Milan visit Sassuolo in Serie A without Luka Modric, whose fractured cheekbone ends the season early. Massimiliano Allegri still expects Milan to show Modric-like intensity as the club close on Champions League qualification, holding a six-point lead over fifth-placed Como with four league matches remaining on the schedule.

The 40-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during last weekend's goalless draw with Juventus, following a clash with Manuel Locatelli. Modric’s absence also raises uncertainty over involvement at this year’s World Cup, yet reports in Italy suggest an agreement is close for an extended stay at San Siro beyond this campaign.

Modric has been central to Milan’s season, starting 32 of 34 Serie A games and logging 2,788 minutes, more than in any of the final five campaigns with Real Madrid. Allegri will now rely on midfield depth away to Sassuolo at MAPEI Stadium, where the coach expects a demanding tactical contest.

Discussing the blow to Milan’s line-up, Allegri underlined the emotional impact within the dressing room. "We are very sorry for Modric's injury. He will remain out until the end of the season, even if he is eager to return. I hope that his passion was a great lesson for those who were close to him. [Ardon] Jashari or [Samuele] Ricci will replace him. I have full confidence in them."

Allegri also warned against underestimating mid-table Sassuolo, who have climbed steadily under Fabio Grosso. "We just have to give our best,the Milan boss added. Sassuolo are a complicated opponent, Grosso is good, they have good players, they are the revelation of this championship. There are still six points left to mathematically qualifyfor the Champions League.We need great lucidity and great order because the goal cannot escape us."

Sassuolo’s recent Serie A run highlights that threat. Since matchday 22, Sassuolo have taken 23 points, fewer only than Inter, Napoli, Juventus and Como. At home, Sassuolo have five wins in their last seven league matches, and could reach three straight victories at MAPEI Stadium for the first time since February-April 2022.

Milan, however, arrive with defensive stability. The Rossoneri failed to score in five of their last nine Serie A fixtures, yet kept clean sheets in the two most recent league games. That organisation at the back is viewed as a decisive factor for the visitors, who remain favourites according to the Opta supercomputer.

Historically, Sassuolo have caused Milan problems in recent league meetings. Sassuolo avoided defeat in six of the last eight Serie A clashes with the Rossoneri, winning three and drawing three. Yet Sassuolo have not beaten Milan on home turf since March 2016, with two draws and six defeats since that success.

AC Milan vs Sassuolo Serie A key players

Domenico Berardi again stands out as Sassuolo’s primary attacking threat against Milan. Berardi has scored 11 Serie A goals versus the Rossoneri, the striker’s highest haul against any single opponent in the competition. That record places Berardi among the most productive scorers in Italian top-flight history against Milan.

Only five players have managed more Serie A goals against Milan than Berardi. Stefano Nyers, Carlo Reguzzoni and Antonio Di Natale each scored 12, while Enrico Chiesa netted 14 and Silvio Piola leads with 22. Berardi’s numbers therefore remain a clear reference point for Milan’s defence before the trip to MAPEI Stadium.

For Milan, Matteo Gabbia’s presence correlates strongly with positive league results. With Gabbia on the pitch, Milan have lost only 4% of Serie A games this season, just one defeat in 26 matches, alongside 15 wins and 10 draws. The team also averages 2.1 points per match when Gabbia features.

Results without Gabbia present a sharp contrast. Milan have lost 50% of league fixtures in his absence, four defeats from eight matches. During those games, the Rossoneri average only 1.5 points, underlining why Gabbia’s potential selection at Sassuolo may be central to Allegri’s defensive planning.

Opta’s model still gives Milan the strongest chance of victory against Sassuolo, despite injuries and the hosts’ rise. The supercomputer assigns Sassuolo a 23.8% probability of winning, with a 23.6% chance of a draw. Milan’s win probability stands at 52.6%, reflecting both recent form and longer-term head-to-head trends.

Modric’s influence around the club remains significant even while recovering. Allegri hopes that attitude continues to shape teammates during the run-in as Milan push to confirm Champions League football. The away match against Sassuolo therefore offers both a key step towards qualification and a test of the squad’s depth without the veteran midfielder.